Yesterday (Apr. 20), the Alberta Government reported that another Manoir du Lac care home resident passed away due to COVID-19, making it the sixth death at the facility in McLennan.

On Friday, Alberta Health Services (AHS) announced they were taking over operation of the facility. Dr. Deena Hinshaw, Alberta's Chief Medical Officer, reported that there was not enough staff and they were working long hourse. Proper screening of visitors and use of PPE was not being implemented. The residents were receiving inadequate care standards.

AHS also announced they would begin testing asymptomatic residents and staff of care homes.

Dr. Hinshaw explains:

"This expanded testing does not replace or change any of our outbreak measures, and a negative test in someone with no symptoms does not change a need to be isolated for 14 days if they are a close contact of a confirmed case.

"What it does is gives us a better chance of early identification of new cases. Given that we now know people who may be infected with COVID-19 can potentially spread the illness before they show symptoms, testing more residents and staff in continuing care facilities will help us prevent further infections and deaths.

"Having said that, testing is only one part of the larger response, and it must be taken in that context.

"I know staff at these sites are doing everything they can to keep these residents safe, and we will continue to support them by ensuring our requirements around visitation, sanitization and personal protective equipment are rigorously followed at all times."